CARS 2
(G)
MOVIE: **** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
While every other critic out there seemed to be trashing “Cars 2” for not being as good as the other Pixar movies, I was singing its praises. The original “Cars” was never my favorite of the brand (though it is still a fine, sweet film), and I though this was quite an improvement. In this new film, Lightning McQueen joins the World Grand Prix and brings his buddy Mater along with him. Along the way, Mater stumbles into a spy ring where he is mistaken for an international car of mystery.
Kids will love “Cars 2,” and it’ll sell plenty of toys… but then again, which Disney movies doesn’t have that angle? A lot of the adult’s ability to enjoy it will hinge upon how much tolerance they have for Larry the Cable Guy. I personally think he’s funny, and his bumbling attitude was quite fun in this film. Plus, going at this movie with an international spy angle was great. It’s like the first 10 minutes of “Bolt” as an entire movie.
Looking slick and having a great action backdrop, “Cars 2” is another installment in the Disney/Pixar canon of fine family films.
The combo pack comes with the DVD and the Blu-ray. Features include a director’s commentary, plus two Pixar shorts: the Toy Story cast in “Hawaiian Vacation” and the other new one featuring Mater in “Air Mater.”